Frequently Asked Questions
How Far in Advance Should I Reserve My Event Date?
The sooner you can call us and let us know about your event, the better. We stay very busy, especially during spring and fall. Often we have events booked almost a year in advance. Certain holidays are particularly busy. The earlier you book your event, the better the chance you have of getting an important date!
What Determines Your Prices?
There are five basic considerations that factor into our pricing structure.
How far do we have to travel to get to your event?
What will we be doing at your event?
How many entertainers will be needed at your event?
How many children will be at your event?
How long will we be at your event?
Does It Matter if My Party is Indoors or Outdoors?
In most cases our entertainment is upbeat and full of high energy; with that in mind, during the hot, summer months, it is preferable to perform indoors in a cool air-conditioned environment. However, Sparky has performed numerous outside events that have been very successful. If your show is outside, a shaded area is absolutely required and a back-up plan should be established in case of inclement weather.
What Services Can You Offer to Corporations?
We have provided a variety of services for many corporate activities such as promotional events, grand openings, employee picnics, Christmas parties, etc. Preceding an event, we will provide a professional proposal for your decision makers. Once you decide on an event package, we will send you a complete contract for your approval. After your event, we will send an invoice to your company. Typically we expect payment in full within 30 days. We use top of the line software and are tech savvy. We work with corporate clients frequently and are accustomed to preparing professional proposals and contracts as well as invoices.
How Long Have You Been Performing in the Area?
Sparky has been a resident of St. Johns County since 1990 and performing since 2000. Sparky is a member of World Clown Association, Clowns of America International, South East Clown Association, Gator Clowns of Jacksonville, and carries professional performer’s insurance. See our comments at Why Choose Us for a list of satisfied customers and visit About Sparky to learn more about how things got started.
I Am Interested in Working With You. Do You Need Entertainers?
Sure! We are always looking for new people to join our team. As our business grows, clowns, balloon twisters, face painters and more are always a welcome addition. Contact us to express your interest and to find out more.
Party Planning Tips
Plan Ahead
The sooner you start planning your party, the better off you will be. The best parties start out with good planning and organization. Our calendar stays very busy and full, so it is helpful if you get your party scheduled as soon as you can. This will avoid conflicts with other scheduled events and insures that you get the date and time that you desire. Obviously, major holidays such as the July 4th weekend and spring and fall months fill up fast. It is never too early to give 3-RingCircus.com a call and get your event on our calendar! This also allows you adequate time to send out invitations and have a clear idea of how many guests will be coming to your event. Your guests will appreciate this advance notice as well.
How Many Guests?
For birthday parties, the best size is about 12 children; although, we have entertained at many larger parties and can help plan a successful party around your needs and budget.
Starting Time
Consider having our performer come to your event thirty minutes to one hour after your party starts. This will allow late arriving guests to get settled in and not miss any of the action. This will also let the children greet each other and perhaps participate in some other party events or jump around in the bouncer, if you have one at your party. The sense of anticipation is a good thing and we want the children to be excited and looking forward to the arrival of Sparky or any other performers. It’s best to provide a time window to expect our arrival, since we often come from other events.
Themes
Once your event is scheduled, you will need to consider a theme. Often, the best parties center on a theme and we can help create a party that fits into your unique plan. Some popular themes include, a circus, Spiderman, zoo animals, and princess, to name a few.
Performance Environment
 If Sparky or another clown is coming to your event, you will need to provide a large room for the performance, such as a family room or porch that is open and free of obstructions and breakables such as antiques or knick-knacks. Sparky will usually set up a rolling cart. It is necessary for the children to sit on the floor or in seats in a stage-like arrangement so that they can not see behind the performer’s back. The show is upbeat and full of high energy; with that in mind, during the hot, summer months, it is preferable to perform indoors in a cool air-conditioned environment. However, Sparky has performed numerous outside events that have been very successful. If your show is outside, a shaded area is absolutely required and a back-up plan should be established in case of inclement weather. 3-RingCircus.com also has a professional 10’ x 10’ pop-up canopy available for rent. It is imperative to be situated away from pools or similar areas where children will be tempted to throw expensive props into the swimming pool!
These are a few strategies that have proved to be excellent during similar events in the past. We hope they will also help you and we want to help make your event a great success! Give us a call!